EAST LANSING - Three days after a disturbing return to dreadful offensive play during the victory over Purdue, there is both concern and optimism about the Spartan offense going forward.

There is concern that problems resurfaced against the Boilermakers, in a 14-0 gridlock victory. And there is optimism that the Spartans can regain and improve upon the offensive spark shown in victories over Iowa and Indiana.

"Obviously, we have to throw the ball more effectively," head coach Mark Dantonio said on Tuesday. "I think we missed some reads and missed some throws, quite honestly. We need to step back, regroup. We played well in the fourth quarter. We have to work our way through the problems when they do occur."

Sophomore quarterback Connor Cook fell out of his two-game hot streak and snapped back into the doldrums which grounded this offense through most of September.